The team behind Kailua-based accessories brand Tag Aloha Co.—Alana and Kainoa Penaroza and AJ and Manjari White—got an early start in creation and design. Alana began with fashion design at a young age, while AJ taught himself illustration and graphic design in grade school, eventually mastering screen printing techniques. So when Alana was given the opportunity to make t-shirts for Whole Foods Hawai‘i in July 2013, she knew AJ was the one to call. What they assumed was a one-time project quickly turned into them becoming the grocer’s number one organic cotton bag supplier for the last 12 years. During the pandemic, the brand expanded to make a diverse collection of beach accessories, including pareos, towels, hats and tote bags, with each design still drawn in-house by AJ. Along the way, Tag Aloha Co. has partnered with various brands and artists for smaller, limited-edition capsule collections, including singer Kimié Miner, artist Lauren Roth and florist Ocean Dreamer. Their recent collaboration with Hawaiian Airlines to celebrate its 95th anniversary—during Tag Aloha Co.’s tenth year of business—was particularly monumental, and the resulting retro-inspired Aloalo hibiscus printed collection sold out quickly. “We partner with brands and artists whose vision aligns with ours,” says Alana. “It’s about creating meaningful stories and designs that resonate with our customers and honor the spirit of aloha.” Above all, the team is inspired by the beauty and lifestyle of the islands. “Hawai‘i is more than our home—it’s our muse, and we’re grateful to share its stories through our art.”

tagaloha.com

When Ashley Mariko Meilan Johnson realized that U.S. eyewear is primarily designed for narrow, Eurocentric faces, she decided to fill the gap in the market herself. She founded Mohala Eyewear in a quest to make eyeglasses and sunglasses that fit various face shapes, fixing the all-too-common problems of glasses fitting too tight, resting on cheeks and hitting eyelashes. The brand is a favorite among Hawai‘i’s diverse population and has gained international appeal due to its personalized fit and chic, classic styles suitable for any occasion. Mohala Eyewear customizes the fit of glasses in nine different ways, taking into account various nose bridge heights and face widths. They even designed a completely bendable nose bridge, allowing for glasses that truly fit any face shape. Their best-selling low nose bridge and wide-width frames provide 100% more grip than standard U.S. frames, and the wide width prevents frames from indenting the sides of the face while helping the face appear more balanced. “Our customers are my biggest inspiration,” says Johnson. “Seeing them experience eyewear that truly fits—for the first time—is so rewarding.” Beyond the issues of eyewear shapes, Johnson is passionate about empowering women and girls. Mohala Eyewear donates the equivalent of a day's school fees for girls through Room to Read with each pair of eyewear sold and has launched a free leadership program for high school girls. Pick up a pair for yourself at Ten Tomorrow, House of Mana Up, Fighting Eel or Nordstrom Ala Moana. 

Mohalaeyewear.com

Those Seen Dancing’s chic, fun bikinis have been seen on beach babes the islands over, so it is no wonder that the brand’s founder, O‘ahu-born Keari Shibuya, has had her fair share of beach time. “I have been inspired by fashion, and specifically swimwear, ever since I can remember. I grew up canoe paddling, surfing and going to the beach, and as I got older I was drawn to bikinis and collecting different styles of swimwear.” When finding Brazilian bikinis in high-quality fabrics and construction proved to be a challenge, Shibuya decided to start her own line in 2017. She splits her time between O‘ahu and Bali, where Those Seen Dancing is fabricated in a small, family-run factory with whom she’s cultivated a close relationship over the years. The result is a collection of swimwear in different styles, from string bikinis perfect for tanning to fuller-coverage options with adjustable ties ideal for water sports, in solids and prints that appeal to most any beach-goer. The brand recently debuted its knit swim pieces, and the upcoming collection features mesh fabrics with playful crocheted flower accents. Back by popular demand is the colorful “HI Life” print featuring orchids inspired by old Hawai’i payphones. You can see the eco-friendly line in person at Those Seen Dancing’s regular pop-ups at Kaimana Beach Hotel and Romer Waikīkī at the Ambassador. 

Thoseseendancing.com

One of Hawai‘i’s most popular artists, painter Margaret Rice, has moved beyond the brush to a new medium: fashion. Her new resort wear and beach accessories line, Saint Shell, debuted in October last year and was soon seen on the islands’ influencers and stylish set. The brand consists of chic separates, dresses, body suits, pareos and hats, which Rice herself designed in collaboration with Day Camp. Standouts include the Elodie Maxi Dress, with bell sleeves and a lowcut neckline, that is as comfortable as a nightgown but chic enough for a night on the town, and the ruched Isla top with matching structured pants in soft linen. The textile prints are also Rice’s creations, featuring nautilus shells, palm trees and bright florals in her signature beige, coral and ocean blue tones. “The islands offer such a rich source of creativity, from vibrant color palettes and lush natural landscapes to the beautiful blend of cultures and people,” the Kailua native says on how being from Hawai‘i has influenced her. “It’s a unique and special place that constantly inspires my work.” Rice has long been drawn to fashion illustration, so creating her own clothing line was a natural extension of her talents. “Fashion has always felt like art expressed on the human body. I’m fascinated by how color, texture and fabric interact with the human form to create a harmonious story.”

Saintshell.com